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Penn State Students Protest Over "Offensive" Sorority Photo

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP/KDKA) - About two dozen Penn State students have used the uproar over an offensive sorority photo to call for better recruitment and retention of Hispanic students and faculty at the school.

The group "PSU For All Student Equality" gathered at the campus administration building after a short, peaceful march.  The walk came a week after a picture of sorority sisters at a Mexican-themed party went viral on the Internet.

The photo was first reported on the blog, Onward State.

It posted the photo, showing members of the Nu Gamma of Chi Omega sorority at a Mexican fiesta themed social, and was reportedly taken around Halloween.

Members of the sorority are pictured dressed in ponchos, sombreros, and fake mustaches. One girl is holding a sign that reads, "will mow lawn for weed & beer," and another sign reads, "I don't cut grass I smoke it."

Student organizer Manuel Figueroa says the picture was a catalyst for an event focusing on broader issues of social inequality. He says he'd like to see a school-wide ethnic studies requirement.

The Chi Omega sorority has apologized and is on probation.

(TM and © Copyright 2012 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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